Interview with senior travel expert, Digital Nomad and Travel Enthusiast: Why Travel in Sao Paulo Deserves More Attention

São Paulo is often overlooked by travelers who flock to Brazil’s more famous destinations like Rio de Janeiro. But is this perception fair? Today, we dive into an engaging conversation with senior travel expert, a digital nomad who has traveled extensively and recently spent 48 hours exploring São Paulo. Josh shares his eye-opening experiences and passionately argues why São Paulo deserves a spot on every traveler’s itinerary. If you’ve ever wondered about travel in Sao Paulo, this interview will change your perspective.

Table of Contents

• 🎨 Discovering São Paulo’s Artistic Heart: The MASP Museum
• 🍖 A Culinary Revelation: Dinner at Bark & Crust
• 🎨 Street Art and Sweet Surprises: Exploring Beco do Batman
• 🚶‍♂️ Immersing in History: Free Walking Tour and São Bento Monastery
• 🍣 Cultural Fusion in Liberdade: São Paulo’s Japan Town
• 💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Travel in São Paulo
• 🌎 Final Thoughts on Travel in São Paulo

🎨 Discovering São Paulo’s Artistic Heart: The MASP Museum

Josh, many people don’t consider São Paulo a top tourist destination. What was your first impression of the city’s cultural scene?

Honestly, before my trip, I had zero interest in São Paulo. The internet had convinced me it was just a business hub, a layover city with nothing much to offer tourists. But within the first four hours, I was completely blown away by the MASP Museum, the Museum of Art of São Paulo. This isn’t your average museum.

The MASP’s layout is revolutionary. Instead of hanging paintings on walls, the art is displayed on transparent freestanding structures arranged in rows. This setup lets you see the backs of the paintings, revealing the history of each piece and the museums that previously housed them. My friend Miss C, a former art history major, was absolutely thrilled. It’s a unique way to experience art that draws you in deeply.

As you move from the front to the back of the exhibit room, you travel backward in time through art history. The collection boasts works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and many more. It’s genuinely one of the most beautifully curated museums I've ever visited. And when I was there, they had an incredible SERP exhibit that was both gorgeous and thought-provoking, making me proud to be part of the queer community.

What impact did visiting MASP have on your view of São Paulo?

It completely shifted my perspective. I left feeling creatively inspired—like I wanted to write a poem or paint a portrait of a stranger. It was so invigorating and set the tone for the entire trip. São Paulo’s art scene deserves so much more global recognition, and this museum alone is a reason to visit.

🍖 A Culinary Revelation: Dinner at Bark & Crust

After such a cultural start, how did you and Miss C experience São Paulo’s food scene?

By the time we left MASP, we were starving. After some research, we decided to eat at Bark & Crust, a meat house that blends Brazilian barbecue with American-style barbecue. The photos online looked mouthwatering, and sharing the experience with Miss C meant we could order a feast.

We went all out: a T-bone steak, mac and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. Honestly, it might be the best meal I’ve had all year. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the meat was cooked to perfection, and the sides complemented everything beautifully. Plus, our server had so much personality, it felt like we were dining with old friends.

Would you recommend Bark & Crust to travelers exploring São Paulo?

Absolutely. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves meat and good vibes. The atmosphere, food quality, and service were all top-notch. We even packed leftovers because we couldn’t eat it all. It was a perfect way to end our first day in the city.

🎨 Street Art and Sweet Surprises: Exploring Beco do Batman

The next day, you visited Beco do Batman. What makes this spot special?

Beco do Batman is an open-air gallery located in São Paulo’s Vila Madalena neighborhood. The walls are covered in vibrant graffiti and street art featuring pop culture icons, anime characters, and more. It’s named after Batman because of a famous Batman-themed mural there, but the art goes far beyond that.

One of my favorite pieces was a stunning turtle mural, but honestly, every wall is a masterpiece. What’s amazing is how the city embraces graffiti as a legitimate art form, turning this neighborhood into a thriving cultural hotspot and popular tourist attraction. We were lucky to visit early, so we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made the experience even more special.

You also discovered a chocolate shop called Mr D nearby. What was that experience like?

That was a beautiful surprise. We stumbled upon Mr D almost by accident, but the energy inside was infectious. The staff were so lively and welcoming, and we ended up sitting down for a hot chocolate that was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. It was made with authentic Brazilian chocolate right on-site—thick, creamy, and deeply flavorful.

After that, I don’t think I can ever go back to instant hot chocolate packets. If you’re planning to visit Beco do Batman, definitely make time to stop at Mr D. It’s a hidden gem that adds a sweet touch to your travel in São Paulo.

🚶‍♂️ Immersing in History: Free Walking Tour and São Bento Monastery

How did you spend the rest of your time in São Paulo?

We took a free walking tour of São Paulo’s old downtown. These tours are fantastic because they pack so much history, culture, and local flavor into a few hours. We explored churches, markets, architecture, and learned about the city’s food and shopping traditions.

One highlight was visiting the Santa Tereza Bakery, the oldest bakery in São Paulo, founded in 1872. I got to try pao de queijo, Brazil’s famous cheese bread. It’s simple but magical here—crispy outside, chewy and cheesy inside. It’s a must-try snack when you travel in Sao Paulo.

What about the Mosterio de São Bento? What made that visit unique?

The Mosterio de São Bento is a stunning monastery and cathedral known not only for its architecture but also because the monks brew their own beer and bake their own bread. When we visited, there was live organ music playing, which created a haunting yet beautiful atmosphere. It was a little eerie, but I loved it. It’s rare to find churches with live music during visits, and it added a unique layer to the experience.

🍣 Cultural Fusion in Liberdade: São Paulo’s Japan Town

You ended your trip in the Liberdade neighborhood. What is this area like?

Liberdade is São Paulo’s Japan town and one of the liveliest parts of the city. It’s filled with Asian restaurants, shops, and cultural markers that celebrate the large Japanese community living in Brazil. In fact, Brazil has the largest Japanese population outside Japan, and many reside here in São Paulo.

As a Japan enthusiast who spent two months living there, it was thrilling to explore this cultural blend in Brazil. The neighborhood is vibrant, welcoming, and a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine while soaking up the sunset.

How did this cultural experience influence your overall impression of São Paulo?

It cemented my belief that São Paulo is a city of incredible diversity and richness. The way different cultures coexist and thrive here is inspiring. It’s not just a business hub—it’s a melting pot of art, food, history, and life. São Paulo should be on everyone’s travel list.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Travel in São Paulo

Is São Paulo a good destination for tourists?

Absolutely! São Paulo offers world-class museums, vibrant street art, delicious food, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods. It’s a city that rewards curious travelers with authentic experiences.

How much time should I spend in São Paulo?

While I had just 48 hours, I could easily have spent three more days exploring. To truly appreciate the city’s many layers, plan for at least 3-4 days if possible.

What are the must-visit places in São Paulo?

• MASP Museum for art lovers
• Bark & Crust for an unforgettable meal
• Beco do Batman for street art enthusiasts
• Mr D for authentic Brazilian chocolate
• Old downtown walking tour for history and culture
• Mosterio de São Bento for architecture and atmosphere
• Liberdade neighborhood for cultural fusion and Asian cuisine

Is it safe to walk around São Paulo?

As with any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions. Joining guided walking tours is a great way to explore safely and learn about the city simultaneously.

What is the best way to get around São Paulo?

Using Uber or other ride-sharing apps is convenient and affordable. The city also has public transportation, but for tourists with limited time, ride-shares save valuable time.

🌎 Final Thoughts on Travel in São Paulo

After spending two amazing days in São Paulo, I’m convinced the city deserves way more attention on the world travel stage. The internet’s portrayal of São Paulo as a dull business hub is simply wrong. From the innovative MASP Museum to the mouthwatering food at Bark & Crust, from the colorful walls of Beco do Batman to the cultural richness of Liberdade, São Paulo offers an unforgettable travel experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, don’t overlook São Paulo. It’s a dynamic city full of surprises, creativity, and warmth. Trust me, once you experience travel in Sao Paulo, you’ll want to come back again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and discover the hidden gems of São Paulo for yourself!